How to Find Support Resources in Your Community

By Corina Notyce, DCoE Strategic Communications

Hopefully you have heard the advice “reach out if you need help,” but would you know where to go to find it? Real Warriors Campaign’s latest article, “Finding Support Resources in Your Community,” offers a quick overview of several resources and support services offered locally and nationally to help you with reintegration challenges, employment, housing, counseling, education assistance and more.

For those dealing with traumatic brain injury or psychological health concerns, including combat stress and depression, connect with the DCoE Outreach Center. Looking for information at night or during the wee hours of the morning? The center is available 24/7 to help everyone—military or civilian. Trained health resource consultants can provide information and resources on topics including:

■Resilience programs

■Suicide prevention initiatives
■Family and relationship support
■Alcohol/substance use programs
■Health care system navigation
■Resources about traumatic brain injury and psychological health

The DCoE Outreach Center is a free resource you can access from your home confidentially. Call 866-966-1020, email resources@dcoeoutreach.org or log on to live chat from your computer or smartphone.

The National Resource Directory, a partnership between the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, connects wounded warriors, service members, veterans, their families and caregivers to thousands of services and resources that support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Whether you’re looking for one reliable resource, or possibly a few, you can get as specific as you need to in your search—search by city, state or zip code for resources on:

■Benefits and compensation

■Education and training
■Employment
■Family and caregiver support
■Health
■Homeless assistance
■Housing
■Transportation and travel
■Volunteer opportunities
■Other services and resources

As new resources and services are added to the directory, be in the know by signing up to receive email updates. Additionally, you can connect with the directory through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

MilitaryHOMEFRONT, a Defense Department resource, provides information to help service members and families, leadership and service providers. One example is its downloadable listing of public and government service organizations to help identify and navigate support resources available to address military-related issues. You’ll find a description of each organization and a link to the organization’s website in the guide.

Specifically for veterans, the Department of Veteran Affairs has a network of community-based counseling facilities called Vet Centers. To find a Vet Center near you, search the Vet Center National Directory or call 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387). Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling, individually or in group settings, and outreach services to all veterans who served in a combat zone at no cost. Additional support services offered include:

■Bereavement counseling for families who experience the death of a loved one serving on active duty

■Military sexual trauma counseling and referrals
■Substance abuse assessment and referral
■Employment assessment and referral
■Screening and referral for medical and psychological issues including traumatic brain injury, depression and other psychological health concerns

Changing careers and need help? The Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop, offers employment information and resources specifically to help service members transition from military service to civilian employment. Check out the Key to Career Success section of the website as well as Veterans ReEmployment for employment, training and financial assistance. To find a One-Stop Career Center near you, visit America’s Service Locator.